Tummy Time with Rolling

Current research suggests that babies should be put to sleep on their backs to avoid the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). However, it is vital that babies have time on their tummies when they are awake to allow the back and neck muscles to develop properly.

A face-down position also helps to stimulate the functioning of the digestive system, develop the baby's breathing and strengthen the back in preparation for independent movement. The baby's head also needs to unmould after birth and when a baby is always lying on his/her back, there can be a tendency for the head to become "flat" on one side, as there is no opportunity to move in this position.

An important part of Baby Yoga is to teach and encourage parents to place a baby on her/her front. In this post, I'm introducing a basic face-down position which is suitable from birth till your baby's weight is too heavy for you to manage. This basic face-down position is another way of introducing tummy time to your baby. Some babies may not enjoy lying face-down on the floor. Instead, try letting your baby lie face down on your lap. Although your young baby may not have enough head and neck control, your baby's head and neck is well supported by your forearm in this position. If you have any wrist strain, you can make a fist and sit your baby on your forearms. Alternatively, you can use "Tiger in the Tree" position (which I will illustrate in a later post).

In the first picture, I'm holding BB Gloria (12 weeks old), with my right hand and forearm across her chest to support her head and neck. This is the "bannister" arm, which is holding BB Gloria at her left armpit. I can use my left hand to give her a gentle back massage. Then, I'm rolling BB Gloria from a face-down position on my lap (first picture) to a face-up position close to my chest (second picture) and giving her a kiss on her little cheek! In the second picture, my left hand becomes the "seat hand" which helps to support BB Gloria's bum. I can even use my left hand to give her a tummy massage, which can help relieve any wind pains.

Sometimes, when BB Gloria is crying from being tired and overstimulated, I hold her in the face-down position to calm her down before putting her to sleep. Sometimes, when she is crying from being bored, I hold her in the face-down position and do a few lifts, dips or swings. This will not help, if your baby is hungry, needs a diaper change, or is unwell.

If your baby is very young (newborn to 3 months), move slowly with no shaky and jerky movements and provide full support for your baby's head and neck with your arm across your baby's chest.